North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Chastity Lavonn Washington, 49, of 147 N. Hillside Street, Rutherfordton, NC. Washington was charged with one count of identity theft, a felony.
According to special agents with the Department of Insurance’s Criminal Investigations Division, Washington acquired the identity of another person to obtain automobile insurance in order to file a false accident claim.
According to the arrest warrants, the offenses occurred on Jan. 10, 2023.
Washington was arrested on July 10, fingerprinted and given a $4,000 secured bond. She is expected to appear in Rutherford County District Court on Aug. 2.
“Consumers need to be extra vigilant to protect sensitive information from getting into the hands of the wrong person,” Commissioner Causey said. “The department is committed to helping protect consumers by pursuing and prosecuting these types of crimes in North Carolina.”
If you suspect identity theft, insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.
Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.